YOW* Releases G Audio Manipulation Environment

YOW* (yowstar) has released a new product, simply titled "G," based on a combination of ideas from former products Girl and Cosmetic.

With an emphasis on instant, interactive control over sound and video playback, G unifies diverse digital sound sources and controls. Separate sources can be treated as one, or as a collection of sounds. Sound designers will love the meticulous control over each source and the ability to pan effects treatments in the stereo field. Live performers will find the incredibly easy MIDI assignments, the immediacy of control, the infusion of random elements, and integrated video sampling inspiring. Studio musicians will be seduced by the hypnotic ability to sculpt sound into musical craft. Installation artists will be intrigued by the ability to mix sound on up to 24 speakers. DJ's will be inspired by the possibility of attaching multiple turntables equipped with MsPinky vinyl (http://www.mspinky.com), discovering the most impressive audio/visual virtual turntable application ever.

Everyone will enjoy the ease of recording, either in stereo or multi-track, and will be intrigued by possibility of easy video projection and sampling within the audio-centric application.

G is constructed of up to 16 modules, with each module created from a mix of up to five stereo sources fed into a variety of effects. Individual elements, such as small segments of sound or notes to a VST instrument can be dragged to the probability-based sequencer for organizing melodies and grooves.

The vast array of effects for each module include pitch, volume, granulator, ringmod, distortion, downsample, delay, two multi-mode filters, and up to four VST effects. These can all be easily configured to be controlled with MIDI or one of eight multi-mode LFO's synchronized to a central tempo. Extensive computer keyboard mappings provide an incredible control surface for the mobile musician.

MsPinky vinyl links the DJ's hands to the computer's bits. A standard turntable and pre-amp plays the special audio signal from the MsPinky vinyl and is interpreted by G to control pitch and scrub location on loops and mp3 files. Record scratching can now be part of a larger audio collage and live performance, extending the creativity of the adventurous DJ.

G even plays video. A simple video sampler provides a bin of 30 readily-available Quicktime movies for high-quality playback and looping. It can even play movies over FireWire!

A functionality-limited, free demo is available for download from http://www.yowstar.com/. The commercial version is available at the same site for US$111, or bundled with four platters of MsPinky vinyl for US$170.

G is independently created and distributed by a musician and programmer in Oakland, CA.